We all have our cherished favorites, eagerly anticipated with each passing year. For those with a penchant for rich, indulgent flavors, the Girl Scout Caramel Chocolate Chip cookies are nothing short of a revelation. If you find yourself dreaming of these chewy morsels long after the last box has disappeared, I have a sweet surprise for you.
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How to make Girl Scout Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
Girl Scout Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies are one of the cookie varieties sold by the Girl Scouts during their annual cookie program. These chewy cookies feature rich caramel, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and a hint of sea salt.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (swap with gluten-free all-purpose flour for a GF version)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus extra for sprinkling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup caramel bits (or chopped caramel)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent your cookies from sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. Set this aside for later.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: To the butter and sugar mixture, add the egg and vanilla extract. Continue to mix until these are well incorporated.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Chocolate and Caramel: Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and caramel bits until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop and Bake: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Lightly press down on each dough ball to flatten it slightly. Optionally, sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top of each cookie.
- Bake: Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden. The centers might look a bit soft, but they will firm up as the cookies cool.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Cookies:
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies and pull them out when they’re just golden around the edges. Overbaking will result in less chewy cookies.
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality caramel for the best flavor and texture. If you have hard caramels, you can chop them into small bits before adding them to the dough.
- Gluten-Free Flour: If making the gluten-free version, look for a one-to-one baking flour that includes xanthan gum to ensure the cookies hold together well.
- Let the Dough Rest: If you have time, let your cookie dough rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour before baking. This helps the ingredients meld together and can produce a better texture and flavor.
What to serve with
Pairing the rich flavors of Caramel Chocolate Chip Girl Scout cookies with complementary and contrasting flavors can turn your treat into a full-on dessert experience.
1. Ice Cream:
- Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The simplicity of vanilla will complement the richness of the cookies without overpowering them. Serve the cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or sandwich a scoop between two Girl Scout Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies for a decadent treat.
- Salted Caramel Ice Cream: To enhance the caramel notes in your Girl Scout Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies, pair them with a bowl of salted caramel ice cream. The additional saltiness will bring out the sweetness of the cookies.
- Coffee Ice Cream: For an adult twist, the bitterness of coffee ice cream can beautifully contrast the sweetness of the cookies, creating a sophisticated dessert pairing.
2. Beverages:
- Cold Milk: Sometimes, the classic pairing of cookies and cold milk is all you need. The creaminess of the milk complements the chewy texture and rich flavors of the caramel and chocolate.
- Coffee or Espresso: The robust flavors of coffee or a shot of espresso can cut through the sweetness of the cookies, making for a balanced snack or dessert that’s perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or a post-dinner treat.
- Sweet Dessert Wines: A glass of Port, Moscato, or Riesling could be a fantastic companion to these cookies. The natural sweetness in these wines pairs beautifully with desserts, particularly those featuring caramel and chocolate notes.
3. Cheese Tray:
- Soft Cheeses: Surprisingly, cookies can pair wonderfully with a cheese platter. Soft, creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert offer a rich creaminess that complements the chewy, sweet nature of the cookies.
- Aged Cheddar: For a more adventurous pairing, an aged cheddar with its sharpness and slight crystalline texture can provide an interesting contrast to the soft, sweet, and chewiness of caramel chocolate chip cookies.
4. Fruits and Nuts:
- Fresh Berries: A bowl of fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries can add a refreshing and slightly acidic note to balance the sweetness of the cookies.
- Nut Assortment: A side of roasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts not only adds a crunchy texture but also complements the flavors in your cookies, especially the caramel.
5. Whipped Cream or Yogurt:
- Dollop of Whipped Cream: Adding a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on top of or beside your cookies can turn them into a more elaborate dessert.
- Greek Yogurt: For a healthier twist, serve your cookies with a scoop of plain or vanilla Greek yogurt. The tanginess of the yogurt balances the sweetness of the cookies in a delightful way.
Ingredients Substitutes
Making Girl Scout Caramel Chocolate Chip cookies at home can be a fun activity, especially if you’re looking to use alternative ingredients that cater to specific dietary needs or preferences.
1. Flour (For Gluten-Free)
- Almond Flour/Coconut Flour are excellent gluten-free alternatives to wheat flour. They add a slight nutty flavor to the cookies, enhancing the overall taste profile.
- Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: This direct substitute for regular flour is perfect for those who want to avoid gluten without altering the texture and taste too much.
2. Butter (For Vegan/Dairy-Free)
- Coconut Oil: This can be a great vegan substitute for butter. It should be used in solid form and can add a slight coconut flavor to the cookies.
- Vegan Butter: Many vegan butter brands are available that can be used in a 1:1 substitution for butter without affecting the flavor or texture of the cookies.
3. Sugar
- Coconut Sugar: This can replace traditional white or brown sugar. It has a lower glycemic index and offers a rich, caramel-like flavor.
- Agave Nectar or Maple Syrup: If you use a more liquid-based sweetener, adjust the other liquid ratios in the recipe to maintain the dough consistency.
4. Eggs (For Vegan)
- Flaxseed Meal: Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water to replace one egg. This helps bind the mixture, similar to eggs.
- Applesauce: Use ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce to replace one egg. This not only binds well but also adds moisture to the cookies.
5. Chocolate Chips (For Vegan/Dairy-Free)
- Vegan Chocolate Chips: These chips are readily available in most health food stores and do not contain dairy products.
- Carob Chips: A different taste profile, but a good substitute for those avoiding chocolate.
6. Caramel Bits (For Vegan/Dairy-Free)
- Vegan Caramel: Made from coconut milk and coconut sugar, vegan caramel can replace traditional caramel bits. This may change the texture slightly but will keep the flavor profile intact.
7. Vanilla Extract
- Pure Vanilla Bean Paste: This can be a great substitute for a more intense vanilla flavor. It’s alcohol-free, which makes it suitable for those avoiding alcohol-based extracts.
Final Thoughts
Enjoy these homemade Girl Scout Caramel Chocolate Chip cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee, and share the joy and nostalgia of Girl Scout cookie season any time of the year.
More Cookie Recipes:
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus extra for sprinkling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup caramel bits (or chopped caramel)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent your cookies from sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. Set this aside for later.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: To the butter and sugar mixture, add the egg and vanilla extract. Continue to mix until these are well incorporated.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Chocolate and Caramel: Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and caramel bits until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop and Bake: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Lightly press down on each dough ball to flatten it slightly. Optionally, sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top of each cookie.
- Bake: Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden. The centers might look a bit soft, but they will firm up as the cookies cool.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
